By Adam Winn, Ph. D.
Chair and Professor, Department of Biblical and Religious Studies at Samford University
Looking Forward in Worship
Matthew 2:1–11, 16–18
Jesus, the King of kings, is worthy of our worship. (1–6)
These verses describe the events that follow the birth of Jesus. Quite unlike our modern nativity sets, they depict the visitation of “Magi,” most likely a reference to astrologers, coming at some point after Jesus has been born.
The observation of a new star is presumably the catalyst for their journey to Jerusalem in search of a new king. How the Magi connected the star’s appearance to the birth of a new king of Judea is unclear. Some have sought to link the star’s appearance with Numbers 24:17, which states “A star shall come out of Jacob, a scepter shall rise out of Jacob.”
While this connection is possible, ancient people often associated astrological events with the birth of great rulers. Though answering these questions fully is difficult, the result and purpose of their journey is more important than explaining its catalyst. It is clear they traveled to find this king, yet they also declare a desire to grant him “proskuneo.”
This Greek word can mean either to pay homage or to grant someone worship. Matthew’s intention for the word is unclear. Matthew may intend for us to see in their actions the rightful worship of, even if unknowingly, the true universal king, as his disciples will offer at the end of the gospel (28:17).
In these verses, Matthew makes it clear that Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is the fulfillment of Scripture (Micah 5:2). But as will become clear, Matthew sees even more connections to Israel’s Scripture in the visitation of these Magi.
Some do not worship the rightful King and even oppose Him. (7–8, 16–18)
In these verses, we see the evil intentions of Herod, who also claims a desire to grant “proskuneo” to the new king. Yet, Herod’s desires are in fact to eliminate this new king, whom he believes to be a threat to his own power.
When Herod’s efforts are thwarted, the evil lengths to which he will go to secure his power are manifest, as he has all children of Bethlehem that are two and under executed. Such behavior is consistent with other known efforts of Herod to maintain his power or punishes those who resent it.
Herod executed one of his wives and three of his sons because he believed they had conspired against him. And as Herod’s death approached, he ordered that when he died, a significant number of Jewish elders be executed, so that while the Jewish people might not mourn his death, they would be mourning at the time of his death all the same.
In Matthew, Herod is clearly an opponent to the purposes of God rather than a worshipper.
Jesus’ rule should lead us to worship Him. (9–11)
When the Magi finally find Jesus, they bow down before Him and offer Him valuable gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Though Matthew does not explicitly cite the fulfillment of Scripture here, it seems he clearly has Psalm 72 in mind, a psalm that depicts kings from afar bowing down before Israel’s king (v. 11) and bringing him valuable gifts (v. 10), including gold (v. 15).
It seems clear that Matthew sees in Jesus the king described in this psalm, a king who reigns “from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth.” His reign is characterized by righteousness, justice and deliverance for the poor and those in need.
This Christmas, may we, like the Magi, recognize Jesus as this this great king and give Him the worship He deserves. Instead of gifts like gold and expensive ointments, may we give Him the gift of lives lived in full obedience.
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